I have been privileged to serve on the Board of Trustees of Compass Academy Trust since its inception, and I was for many years a governor at Oak Lodge Primary School.  I am retired but my career was in education administration, my last post was as the School Business Administrator at a large combined Primary and Secondary school in London where I was responsible for all the non teaching function of the school.  I believe passionately that all children deserve and have the right to the best education we can give them, and will work tirelessly to ensure we deliver an inclusive, broad and rich curriculum at Compass Academy Trust.

I am a Chartered Civil Engineer with an extensive background in construction, public service, procurement and project management. I have worked with a range of local authorities, consultancies and companies across the UK. My primary involvement within the Trust is maximising the effective use of resources.

Gareth spent the majority of his working life in Banking within the NatWest/ RBS Group. Gareth's career covered a number of disciplines including internal management consultancy, strategy and planning, various operational roles and most recently 10 years in the Bank's Treasury function focusing on the management of the Bank's balance sheet. These activities have provide Gareth with a very good understanding of how organisations operate, as well as extensive experience of operating in a team based environment in the areas of finance, budgeting and associated controls. Having now retired from Banking, Gareth is hoping to use his knowledge and experience to help in the continued success of Compass Academy Trust and its schools.

Tom is currently Vice Chair of the Compass Academy Trust and has been involved in the Trust’s initial development having previously served as Chair of Marian Vian Primary School Board of Governors. Tom is passionate about effective Marketing and Communications and oversees the Marketing working group for the Trust. He is also a member of the Standards Committee and is excited about the new opportunities for curriculum development and collaboration.

Tom brings considerable experience to the Board, drawing on his extensive charity background from working in various Senior Marketing and Digital Communication roles at The Children’s Society, The Royal British Legion and Marie Curie.